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4 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe and Warm…
Winter is here! As the temperature drops across the country, make sure you know how to keep your pets safe. Here are 4 simple tips to keep your pets safe and warm this Winter.
1. Keep pets warm
Just like us, your pet can be susceptible to the cold. That means your pet should be indoors as much as possible, and if they need to go outside, make sure they stay warm. If you think it’s cold outside, there is a good chance your pet does too. 
Give your dog a warm jacket or sweater, and boots to help keep them warm when they go outside for walks or playtime. Yes, you read that correctly…invest in boots for your dog! Muttluks Snow Mushers protect your pet’s feet from the cold and also prevent them from coming into contact with salt and other de-icing chemicals. I like Muttluks Belted Dog Coats because they have three layers of protection to keep your pets warm and they are easy to get on and off your dog. I must add that they are also fashionable, so your pet will be envy of all the dogs in the neighborhood.
Also, be careful about the amount of time your pets spend outside during winter. Leaving your pet outside or even in a car on a cold winter day for long periods of time can be dangerous. Like us, pets can suffer from hypothermia and get frost bitten. When in doubt, leave your pet at home.
2. Wipe their paws
As every pet parent knows, your pet’s paws pick up all kinds of dirt, allergens and unfortunately even dangerous chemicals. During winter, it’s common to find salt, de-icing chemicals, and antifreeze on the ground. If your pets are not wearing booties when they go outside, be sure to wipe your pet’s paws immediately after they come inside to prevent them from licking and ingesting any dangerous chemicals and keep them from tracking these around the house. QuickBath® Dog Wipes, from International Veterinary Sciences (IVS), make wiping paws a breeze. No bathing required. Just grab one of these wipes to clean your pets’ paws and prevent them from licking dangerous chemicals off their feet or tracking them into your home.
3. Keep chemicals out of reach
Keep antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, out of reach of pets. Ethylene glycol has a sweet aroma and taste that can attract animals. Unfortunately, it can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal if ingested. Ideally use pet-friendly antifreeze. Pet-friendly anti-freeze is made from propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. This less toxic alternative is available online and at many automotive stores.
4. Provide Indoor Options
Let’s face it, who wants to go potty outside when it is freezing? Many pets refuse to go out when it is rainy, snowing or just plain cold. The Pet Loo, a portable indoor toilet for pets, is a great option for these pets. The Pet Loo brings the backyard inside, so your pets don’t have to go out and be miserable like the weather. And that means you do not have to go outside when it is freezing either! It is also great for pets whose parents work long hours…no more waiting with their legs and tail crossed!
Remember if you think it is cold outside chances are your pet will too! Keep these simple tips in mind to keep your pet safe and warm this Winter.
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Thanksgiving Dangers for Pets
Each year, millions of pets become ill during the holidays, with intestinal obstructions, chocolate or other toxicities, and pancreatitis, being some of the most common reasons. In order to ensure that your Thanksgiving holidays are filled with happiness rather than long waits in a veterinary emergency room, follow these simple precautions to help keep your pets safe.
Obesity
Calorie-filled holiday feasts and sweets can lead to a few post-Thanksgiving extra pounds for us and our pets. Although sharing our leftovers with our pets may be in keeping with the holiday spirit of goodwill, it can lead to pet obesity. Pet obesity is associated with significant health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, giving leftovers at the table routinely also promotes begging and reinforces bad behavior.
Pancreatitis
Besides leading to obesity, eating fatty holiday foods can also cause a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas gland called pancreatitis. In pets, pancreatitis is usually caused by ingestion of fatty foods like turkey, ham, gravy, and chicken skins. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Bones
Bones also pose a serious danger to pets. Poultry bones are dangerous because they can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore should never be given to pets. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or can also cause intestinal obstructions. If you wish to give your pet a special holiday treat, instead of giving them bones, consider giving them a healthy dental treat specially intended for safe chewing and dental hygiene.
Dangerous Foods
Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Depending on the amount consumed, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death. Never give your pets chocolate and of course keep this sweet treat out of reach of your pets.
Xylitol Flavored Sweet Treats: Candies, desserts and other foods that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol are very dangerous to pets. Xylitol causes insulin release leading to low blood sugar levels and can also cause liver failure. Be sure to keep all these sweet treats out of reach of hungry pets. If your pet manages to steal some candy or dessert containing xylitol, immediately call your veterinarian for help or take your pet to a veterinary emergency clinic.
Raisins and grapes: Many Thanksgiving dishes contain raisins or grapes which can be very dangerous for pets. Grapes and raisins have been reported to cause severe kidney damage.
Nuts: Many nut varieties are toxic to pets and can have a devastating effect on dogs’ nervous systems. Walnuts and macadamias are especially toxic and can cause vomiting, paralysis and even death.
Onions: Onions, chives, and garlic in any form are poisonous to pets. They cause lethargy, weakness, ataxia (lack of coordination), hyper-salivation, anemia, and even death.
With so many tasty dangers often at pet’s eye level, it is always best to keep pets out of the kitchen and away from the celebration. And while sharing is in keeping with the holiday spirit of goodwill, sharing leftovers with our pets can lead to serious health problems. Instead of giving your pet leftovers from your holiday meal, give your pet a pet-safe treat or a new toy.
Lost Pets
Although the holidays are usually joyous times, as anyone who has ever hosted a holiday party knows, they can also be stressful times. This can be especially true for our pets. The revolving door of visiting guests and the break from the routine can frighten our pets and cause them to run away. If your pet tends to easily get scared, nervous, or becomes protective, it is important to keep them confined safely inside your house. Many pets are lost during the holidays when they jump out of their yard or dart out of an open door. Remember all pets, even strictly indoor cats, should have collars with tags and microchips so that if they become lost they can be returned safely home.
Keep these important tips in mind during the holidays in order to keep your pets safe.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Featured Pet
Featured Pet-Adoption Update!
REMEMBER BEAR from Aussie Rescue of Southern California…
Bear is an 8 year old neutered male mini red tri Australian Shepherd. Sadly, some months ago, Bear’s beloved owner passed away. Bear was her constant companion and never left her side. Because she wasn’t well Bear became protective of her. Like most Aussies it takes Bear a little while to warm up to meeting new people and dogs. Bear rides well in the car, walks nicely on the leash (occasionally he becomes concerned about a passerby however, with moderate correction he is easily reminded that they are none of his business), he is not destructive and rarely barks, loves to be brushed and is affectionate. He has come to be friends with stable, trained dogs while in the care of our trainer Farren Mahone. However, Bear is NOT a dog park dog. He will take great offense to rude dogs running up to him, as well as take offense if he thought said rude dog would try to come in-between you and he. He would prefer a life as a companion who receives a light evening/morning stroll through the neighborhood. He would easily live with a smaller low energy dog, or being an only dog would be okay with him also. We don’t know how Bear is around cats and he would prefer a home without kids.
GREAT NEWS! Bear found a home. Check out Bear and his new owner Cindy. The smiles on both of their faces are priceless! Thank you Cindy for adopting Bear and a hugs THANK YOU to Aussie Rescue of Southern California for connecting these two!
For more information about Aussie Rescue of Southern California and their adoptable dogs go to: https://www.aussierescuesocal.com